As the luxury watchmaker celebrates its 160th anniversary, the iconic TAG Heuer Carrera, original racing chronograph, is relaunched with a range of sporty chronographs that bring the collection back to its roots.
La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland – 9 July 2020: Throughout its 160th anniversary year, the Swiss luxury watchmaking brand is introducing redesigned TAG Heuer Carrera models that are powered by the sophisticated in-house Calibre Heuer 02 movement. Following two limited-edition anniversary pieces – the TAG Heuer Carrera 160 Years Silver and Montreal Limited Editions –, it is now time to reveal four new flagship models that will join the brand’s evergreen collection. They will be followed in September by four more core novelties as well as two special editions before the end of the year.
Elevated to the rank of watch icon through decades of striking renditions, the TAG Heuer Carrera – original racing chronograph since 1963 – has once again been reimagined in a range of contemporary yet timeless models. Characterised by high-performance timekeeping capabilities and a look that exudes elegance and drive, these new models mark the beginning of a new era for the TAG Heuer Carrera. The collection has played a central role in TAG Heuer’s illustrious past. Its unique history and ties to the world of motor racing are subtly expressed in the striking designs of the new models introduced today.
The unique history of Jack Heuer’s proudest creation
In 1962, CEO at the time Jack Heuer heard the story of the legendary Carrera Panamericana race. The word Carrera, Spanish for “road”, “race”, “career” and “course”, caught his attention, and he knew immediately that it would be a perfect name for a new timepiece. The following year, the first TAG Heuer Carrera chronographs left the factory. The TAG Heuer Carrera is Jack Heuer’s proudest creation. The bold and confident design reflects his passion for action and his understanding that, in racing as elsewhere, legibility is crucial. Supremely reliable and exceptionally elegant, it became the instrument of choice for driving legends such as Jo Siffert and the entire Scuderia Ferrari.
Welcome to a new era of iconic TAG Heuer Carrera
watches
As a lover of clean, modern design, Jack Heuer wanted the aesthetics of the TAG Heuer Carrera chronograph to be clean and well-proportioned – features that make the watch perfect for drivers who need to see the time at a glance during high-octane races. Decades later, this new take on the Carrera takes the collection back to the roots of its unique history with a timeless design that is complemented by outstanding performance. The new line will feature two styles of statement chronographs – the second will launch in September – with a distinctive design and unmistakable identity.
Four reinterpretations of the TAG Heuer Carrera with a pure, sporty polish
The sporty chronographs presented today are refined and timeless, yet still bold and striking. They embody the spirit of endurance. With shorter lugs for enhanced comfort, the 44 mm stainless-steel case features alternating polished and fine-brushed finishes that make the watch appear sleeker and thinner. The improved integration of the glass and the slight bevel also improve its aesthetics.
The dial of the new TAG Heuer Carrera has a circular brushed finish and is available in deep blue with a matching ceramic bezel, muted olive green with a stainless-steel bezel or one of two black versions, each with a sleek, black ceramic bezel. The flange is bevelled and the indexes slant towards the centre of the dial, drawing the wearer’s eye to the time and allowing them to read it at a glance. The three subdials are perfectly legible, as is the date window at 6 o’clock. The hour counter at 9 o’clock now features the numerals 12, 4 and 8, offering a visual balance to the minute counter at 3 o’clock. The new H-shaped bracelet is thinner, making it slightly lighter and more ergonomic.
The standout piece from these sporty new models is the black and rose gold TAG Heuer Carrera. The black ceramic bezel is filled with rose-gold-coloured lacquer – a first for the luxury watchmaker –, and the crown and push buttons are made from solid 18K rose gold. The oscillating weight of the movement, visible through the sapphire crystal caseback, is fashioned from black PVD-coated brass with rose gold printing. This timepiece is worn on a classic black leather strap.
Exceptional performance with the Calibre Heuer 02 manufacture movement
The TAG Heuer Carrera line has always featured the brand’s most advanced watchmaking technology. The redesigned models are powered by the Calibre Heuer 02 movement, visible through the transparent case back. This sophisticated in-house innovation is entirely Swiss-made in TAG Heuer’s Chevenez manufacture. This movement comprises 168 components, including a column wheel and a vertical clutch – signatures of improved chronograph timekeeping and high-quality manufacture movements –, and boasts an impressive power reserve of 80 hours.
A pillar of the brand’s collections since its creation in 1963, the original TAG Heuer Carrera was a high-precision “race-car dashboard for the wrist”, designed to meet the unique technical demands of the world’s top drivers – and to reflect their elegant style. Today, the new TAG Heuer Carrera collection is an authentic and contemporary tribute to this timeless icon, featuring an unprecedented level of luxury at the cutting-edge of watchmaking innovation. Simple, refined and legible: rarely do aesthetics and functionality so flawlessly intermesh as with the new TAG Heuer Carrera chronographs.